Walking with box on head leads to multiple burglary charges

TOMS RIVER – A string of overnight commercial burglaries in the past month led to the arrest of 54-year-old man living in a motel here.

Michael Arsenault, 54, was living in the Americana Motel on Route 166 until he was arrested 11:30 p.m. Wednesday by Toms River Patrolman Eric Harris, said Ralph Stocco, police spokesperson. Now, he is a living at the Ocean County Jail and his bill upon checkout will be $180,000 in bail. His charges include burglary, theft, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, obstruction of law and possession of burglary tools, court records show.

Police had suspicions that Arsenault was connected to the burglaries. When Harris found him walking on Route 166 near James Street carrying a large box on top of his head, police were convinced of his link, Stocco said. When the officer approached him, Arsenault took off, dropping the box.

A short distance later, Harris caught up to him and they struggled briefly and Arsenault was taken into custody, officials said.

Police found a plastic bag full of cash hidden in Arsenault's pants, police said.

The box had cold, perishable food, a flashlight and some tools commonly used by burglars for breaking into structures. Some of the money had writing on it which linked it to a nearby restaurant "Shut up and Eat" on Main Street, just down the street from the motel. Police traced the money, via the writing on the bills, and found the eatery's window was smashed out. Phone wires were cut and there was interior damage to the business. Cash and food were missing, officials said.